(This article may be found at http://www.combatsim.com/memb123/htm/2001/01/f410799flook)

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First Look: eFalcon 1.0799 for Falcon 4.0
By Bob "Groucho" Marks

Game Title: Falcon 4.0
Version: eFalcon 1.0799 Patch
Category: Jet Simulation
Publisher: Infogrames (originally Microprose)
Article Links: |F4 Plus Part 1 | F4 Plus Part 2 |
Patch Files: Click Here
Article Type: First Look
Article Date: January 30th, 2001



Falcon looking for prey


The long wait is over.

Everybody’s favorite source code modifiers, eRAZOR and the Falcon eTeam, have unleashed eFalcon 1.0799 on an eager world of Falcon junkies. So, you ask, what’s the word? Is it all that and a bag of Cheesy Poofs?

Well, it is darned impressive. I’ve only spent a couple of hours in it, but I can give a quick surface assessment of this much-anticipated patch.

The install is fairly straightforward, if requiring quite a few components and an ability to follow instructions closely. At the very least, the original F4 disk, the final MicroProse 1.08US patch, the WinZipped eRazor 1.0799 file, and the eFalcon10799.cfg file are required for a straight-across eFalcon conversion.

For a more flexible install that allows various patches, skins, flight models, and sounds to be applied (highly recommended), you will also need Joel Bierling’s F4Patch_std_3.22.exe file. I’m not going to go through the step-by-step install right now, as the eFalcon 1.0799 README is sufficient for now. After I’ve had some more time to run through the process myself, I will write something more definitive and hopefully helpful. In the mean time, just take a deep breath, an adult beverage for liquid courage (provided you are of legal age, 'natch), and pay close attention to the installation steps. You’ll be fine.


The Xis beta6 cockpit in eFalcon 1.0799


So, what are some of the high points?
  • The completely revamped graphics engine allows my Athlon TBird 1GHz / 384MB VCRAM / GeForce2 64MB rig to get an average of 35-40 FPS over the FLOT. Ho hum, you say. Here’s the big deal: those numbers are in the Rolling Thunder campaign, in the cockpit, resolution at 1024X 768 @ 32bit, with all the new advanced graphics options as well as the old standard options (including the bubble) cranked to the maximum. Very impressive indeed.
  • The RP4.1 realism patch is fully integrated into the eFalcon patch for all of the goodies we have come to appreciate.
  • The AI piloting skills are much more advanced, and will no longer hurl themselves headlong into the fray. In fact, they are now truly sneaky bastards.


The Xis tactical screen, highlighting the color MFDsin eFalcon 1.0799


  • The MFDs are now in color, reflecting a new update to the actual F-16 fleet. This is extremely helpful for differentiating targets and background noise.
  • The RWR symbology is much improved, making SA a bit easier. The incredibly annoying buddy spike “beep”, a confirmed cause of at least two or three Falconite suicides, is thankfully history. The proper radar chirps and lock-on sounds are now integrated. The RWR is your friend once again!
  • Damage modeling is greatly enhanced. The IFC (Idiotic Funky Chicken) is a thing of the past, replaced by deteriorating control responses. Emergency procedures are expanded, as engine flameouts will necessitate restart procedures.
  • Systems modeling have taken an incredible leap forward. Dual hydraulic systems, APU and EPU operations, landing gear blow-down, and engine startup / shutdown sequences are now modeled. Just mind-blowing.
  • Full JetNet support. JetNet is a GameSpy-like multiplayer server setup. Haven’t tried this one yet.


Well, these are some of the highlights. This is a truly DEEP patch and will take a lot more than an hour or two in the sim to wrap one’s mind around the myriad improvements and tweaks.





Is it perfect? Well, no. The distant horizon is now broken up into tiles at times, and I have heard reports of CTD's when trying to release bombs in Dogfight mode. I’m sure there are a few other issues, but I refuse to dwell on them. This is an awesome improvement to what is still in my mind the ultimate combat flight sim. The eTeam is continuing their hard work on v1.09. If eFalcon 1.0799 is any indication as to what can be done to a sim that is approaching 14 months old, expect miracles.

I’ll be spending far too much time in this thing in the days & weeks to come, you can bet. Stand by for future transmissions.

Patch Files


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(This article may be found at http://www.combatsim.com/memb123/htm/2001/01/f410799flook)